APPENDIX 2 -Drivers Handbook

APPENDIX 2

DRIVERS HANDBOOK

CONTENTS SECTION A 1. Policy Statement 2. Allocation & Vehicle Arrangements 3. Authorised Drivers 4. Emergency Authorisation to Drive 5. Excluded Drivers 6. Use of Company Vehicles 7. Private Car Use for Organisational Business Purposes 8. Accessories Fitted to Vehicles 9. Wearing of Seatbelts 10. Alcohol and Drugs -Driving 11. Medical Conditions -Driving 12. Smoking in Vehicles 13. Mobile Telephones 14. Satellite Navigation Equipment 15. Reporting of Incidents and Damage 16. Road Traffic Accidents 17. Theft of Vehicles and/or Contents 18. Vehicles Insurance 19. Road Fund Licence 20. MOT Test Certificates 21. Offences and Fines 22. Vehicle Operation and Controls 23. Care and Condition of Vehicles 24. Vehicle Defects and Damage 25. Maintenance Checks by the Driver 26. Standards of Driving 27. Tyre Condition and Punctures 28. Windscreen Damage and Replacement 29. Servicing Arrangements (A Safety Requirement) 30. Breakdown and Recovery 31. Bodywork Repairs 32. Safe Loading of Vehicles 33. Return of Vehicles

SECTION B

1. Winter Driving Precautions

SECTION A

1. Policy Statement

Driving is a risk faced by our employees from time to time and this policy covers the use of all company vehicles. We are committed to the prevention of loss of life and property from driving accidents through:

• Strict adherence to this policy • Adopting any strategy that will minimise accident and incident rates

2. Allocation & Vehicle Arrangements

Prior to any company vehicle being driven by an employee, the following procedure and instructions must be followed:

a) A copy of the employee's current driving licence must be provided upon request.

This will be checked to ensure that thedetails are correct and that the licence covers the vehicles to be driven.

b) The Company Rule Book containing the Drivers Handbook shall be issued to the authorised driver who shall ensure that they are familiar with the instructions and information contained within.

c) The authorised driver shall inspect the vehicle for signs of damage or defects and ensure that the ancillary equipment (wheel jack, wheel brace and spare wheel) is in the vehicle before use.

d) Any changes to the licence including endorsements and restrictions etc, shall be notified to the Directors as soon as the facts are known.

e) An annual check may be carried out on all driving licences and a copy kept in the employees personnel file, for reference.

Falsification of any driving licence documents will be dealt with under the disciplinary measures.

3. Authorised Drivers

Only persons who have produced their driving licences for validation will be authorised to drive organisation vehicles. Company vehicles may be used by othersonly if authorised to do so by the Directors.

4. Emergency Authorisation to Drive

In the event of an accident, breakdown or illness, where the driver is unable to proceed, any competent and fully licensed driver is authorised to drive the vehicle directly to its normal base, a garage or place of safety.

5. Excluded Drivers

• Those not in possession of a full UK driving licence for the category of vehicle to be driven. • Learner drivers. • Anyone who has been disqualified from driving. • Anyone who has been refused motor insurance or renewal, or has had a policy cancelled. • Those who suffer from a listed medical condition/s. • Anyone under 21 years old, except when specifically authorised by the Directors.

6. Use of Company Vehicles

Vehicles shall not be used for any business or purpose of any kind except that of London Bronze Casting Ltd unless authorisation has been given.

Whenever the vehicle is being used for business or private purposes, passengers may only be carried to the maximum seating capacity.

No company vehicle shall be used to carry passengers for hire or reward.

It is the authorised driver's responsibility to pay any fixed penalty charges or fines.

It is the authorised driver's responsibility to maintain driver records, as requested by the Company.

7. Private Car Use for Organisation Business Purposes

Employees must seek prior approval before undertaking any journey in their private vehicle on behalf of the organisation.

A copy of the private vehicles current MOTCertificate and Insurance Policy Certificate must be placed on file prior to use. The insurance must provide cover for the use of the vehicle for business purposes.

Employees can claim reimbursement for authorised business mileage.

8. Accessories Fitted to Vehicles

Accessories for work or private use must not be fitted to company vehicles without the authority of the Directors. These items may include any vehicle approved equipment including roof racks, towing brackets and associated equipment, bicycle racks (rear and roof fitted) and ancillary fittings.

All fittings, if approved to be fitted, must be fitted correctly by a competent person. Once fitted, they become part of the vehicle and should be covered by the general sections of the Insurance Policy.

Private equipment is NOT covered and separate arrangements must therefore be made. Any damage to the vehicle caused by private equipment etc, may be chargeable to the driver.

9. Wearing of Seatbelts

All drivers and occupants must wear seatbelts when travelling in organisation vehicles.

It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that seatbelts or child restraints are worn. The latter, if fitted, must be appropriate for the age and weight of the child.

10. Alcohol and Drugs -Driving

Driving a company or private vehicle for business purposes whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden and will be subject to disciplinary action.

11. Medical Conditions -Driving

Drivers shall inform the organisationof any medical condition that may affect their driving ability.

12. Smoking in Vehicles

Smoking is not permitted in company vehicles. Drivers of private vehicles should consider their passengers.

13. Mobile Telephones

Use of Mobile Phone Policy

Scope

• This policy applies to all employees within the organisation

Eligibility

• Mobile phones may be issued to those employees who require them as an integral part of their job.

Mobile Phone Legislation

• It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving, even when you are stopped at traffic lights or in a queue of traffic. This includes making or answering calls, pictures, text messaging or accessing the internet. You must pull over to a safe location. • You can also be prosecuted for using a hands free mobile phone if you fail to have proper control of your vehicle. • Driving carelessly or dangerously when using any mobile phone can result in disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

14. Satellite Navigation Equipment

Drivers should always programme their satellite navigation equipment before they set off, and not input instructions whilst driving. Drivers can be prosecuted for operating satellite navigation equipment if they are not in proper control of their vehicle when doing so. If settings require adjusting during a journey, drivers should pull over to a convenient safe location. Drivers should check the route the satellite navigation chooses, to make sure it is practical. Planning a journey in advance can reduce the driver's reliance of the satellite navigation at dangerous times, and will also prompt drivers to think about issues such as fatigue and the best time to do the journey, if applicable.

Drivers should ensure that satellite navigation equipment is kept updated with new maps, new road layouts and new one way systems to prevent it from going out of date.

The satellite navigation equipment should be positioned out of the way of airbags, in the line of sight but must not obstruct the driver's vision.

If the satellite navigation unit is detachable, drivers should always take it out when they leave the vehicle. Thieves know that when people remove them they tend to keep them in the car, so mounts or suction cap marks also attract thieves.

15. Reporting of Incidents and Damage

All incidents, including accidents, thefts, vandalism and damage of any kind must be reported to the Directors.

16. Road Traffic Accidents

At the scene of the accident drivers must:

• Stay calm and act in a manner which does notexpose anyone to the danger • Inform emergency services for assistance, if required

In the event of an accident drivers must not discuss liability, but they should (if possible) obtain the following information:

• Date, time and location of the accident • Vehicle registration numbers of third party vehicle(s) • Third party driver's name, address and Insurance Company • Third Party insurers policy number • Name and number of any Police Officer attending the accident • Police Incident Number • Sketches or photographs of the accident scene showing position of vehicles, road markings etc • Names and addresses of any other witnesses • Any other applicable information

If the vehicle(s) involved in the accident have only suffered minor damage and it is safe to do so, they can be moved from the immediate scene to a place of safety in order that details can be exchanged. As soon as possible after the accident the details must be reported to the Directors.

If the vehicle can be legally driven you must return to your normal base or home address, as agreed with the Directors.

If the vehicle cannot be driven, arrangements will be made, as agreed with the Directors, to remove the vehicle.

In all cases, the Directors should be advised and will assist, or arrange assistance, in any required arrangements.

Depending on the circumstances, the recovery company may take the vehicle to a holding compound. Any valuables (organisation and personal) should be removed from the vehicle.

17. Theft of Vehicle and/or Contents

If your vehicle is broken into, stolen or vandalised the circumstances must be immediately reported to the Directors and/or Police. A Police Crime Number must be forwarded to the Directors, if they are not assisting with the matter.

Whenever an company vehicle is left unattended it must be locked and all alarms, immobilisers and anti-theft devices must be fully used. Under the terms of the insurance policy, private items are not covered whether on or in the vehicle.

Valuable items including mobile telephones, computers, briefcases, handbags, jackets etc, must not be left on display whilst the vehicle is unattended. Where possible they should be removed from the vehicle or placed in the boot.

Detachable radios and control panels shall be removed when the vehicle is parked unattended for extended periods.

When refuelling and the vehicle is unoccupied, ensure that all windows are closed, keys are removed from the ignition and all doors are locked.

All drivers of vans should ensure that spare wheels, ladders, tools etc are secured in position by a security device, and tools and equipment shall not be left in vehicles when parked overnight.

18. Vehicle Insurance

If you are asked to produce a certificate of insurance by the Police an originalcan be obtained from the Directors.

Individuals should ensure that adequate insurance cover is provided for personal items, including tools and equipment.

19. Road Fund Licence

All company vehicles will be supplied with a current Road Fund Licence.

20. MOT Test Certificates

All company and private vehicles must comply with the MOT Test Certification.

21. Offences and Fines

Responsibility for parking offences and other road traffic offences remain the responsibility of the driver. If the Company receives a summons on your behalf, we may pay the fine and deduct the cost from any monies owing to you.

It must also be remembered that London Bronze Casting Ltd may also be prosecuted for their operations affected by an illegal action of a driver (see Legal and General Information).

22. Vehicle Operation and Controls

It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that they are fully aware of the vehicle controls and their functions including the location and operation of the vehicle spare wheel, jack and brace, and the security system before driving the vehicle.

23. Care and Condition of Vehicle

In addition to other relevant sections the driver must ensure that the vehicle is kept clean and presentable both inside and out.

24. Vehicle Defects and Damage

All defects/damage will be advised to the Directors who will make arrangements for them to be rectified accordingly.

Casual drivers of the vehicle should report any defects or concerns to the Directors.

25. Standards of Driving

London Bronze Casting Ltd expects high standards of care from any employee or authorised person driving a company vehicle.

Drivers of company vehicles must fully understand that they must not become involved in any incident that may provoke a reaction from other drivers.

Should an incident occur, it must be diffused immediately and under no circumstances shall organisation drivers react by using signs, foul language, aggressive behaviour or driving to intimidate. Any incident that is reported will be fully investigated and appropriate action taken.

Drivers must adhere to the HighwayCode at all times and they must ensure the safety of others whilst on client's sites.

27. Tyre Condition and Punctures

Drivers should ensure that the vehicle tyre pressure is correct for the type of load and driving conditions.

The Directors should be told, so that arrangements can be made, to take the vehicle to an authorised repairer if the driver has any concerns over the legality of the tyres.

In the event of a puncture notify the Directors and change the vehicle wheel if possible and youare confident to do so.

Defective tyres will normally be identified at service intervals with a recall period/estimated mileage being given for any changes. The driver should discuss this with the Directors so that arrangements can be made for any remedial work to be carried out.

28. Windscreen Damage and Replacement

If a vehicle windscreen suffers serious damage the driver shall make immediate arrangements to have it replaced by contacting the Directors.

In the event of minor damage and if the vehicle can be safely driven, the vehicle can be returned to base where arrangements will be made to see if it can be repaired. If not, a windscreen replacement will be ordered.

29. Servicing Arrangements

The Directors will organise the servicing of company vehicle. However, the driver should discuss with the Directors any concerns about the vehicle that they have been authorised to drive.

30. Breakdown and Recovery

In the event of a breakdown the driver shall contact the Directors who will make arrangements for the vehicle to be repaired/recovered.

31. Bodywork Repairs

The course of action will be dependent on the circumstances and the extent of the damage to a vehicle.

32. Safe Loading of Vehicles

Whenever any vehicle is loaded with materials or equipment etc., the load must be secured and this must not damage either the load or the vehicle, or cause a danger to other road users or pedestrians. The maximum gross weight of the vehicle must not be exceeded.

The load must not affect the stability of the vehicle when braking, cornering or when acceleration takes place.

The transported items must be spread evenly, where possible, to reduce the height and strain on the roof, side rack and any securing straps. These straps should be of a sound and substantial construction,

inspected before use and advised to the Directors when worn or damaged, so that replacements can be issued.

The load must not extend beyond the front or rear end of the vehicle unless it is identified by an adequate warning device.

Although there is no legal restriction on the height of loads, any load that falls into this category must be safely secured.

It must be ensured that all items are secured before driving off. If the vehicle load appears to be unsafe when being driven the driver must stop and take remedial action to make the load safe.

33. Return of Vehicles

Whenever a vehicle is returned, the driver shall ensure that the interior and exterior are reasonably clean and tidy and that all equipment etc. belonging to London Bronze Casting is returned to the relevant place and not left in or on the vehicle.

Ignition keys must be returned.

SECTION B

1. General Winter Driving Precautions

During winter, additional driving hazards have tobe considered. These include adverse weather (rain, snow, frost, standing water) and longer hours of darkness. Following the advice given below will help to ensure your safety when driving in these conditions:

1. Make sure you have plenty of fuel.

2. Allow extra time for the journey and reduce speed.

3. Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front -in ice and snow, stopping distances are ten times larger.

4. In reduced visibility such as driving in rain or fog, use dipped headlights and rear fog lights. Use the windscreen wipers to keep the windscreen clear, even in fog.

5. Remember to turn fog lights off when no longer required as they can distract other road users in normal visibility.

6. Remember snow is visible but ice, especially black ice, is often invisible.

7. Avoid sudden breaking or harsh acceleration or steering manoeuvres.

8. Keep all windows and mirrors clean, clear of snow and ice and free of mist. Keep lights and indicators clean.

9. Carry a torch, a spade, extra warm clothing, wellington boots, a blanket, a snack and a hot drink, especially if you are driving through isolated areas.

10. If you are planning a long journey advise someone of your destination and approximate expected arrival time. If you have one, carry a mobile phone withyou, ensuring it is fully charged. However, remember not to use it when driving.

11. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable driving in adverse weather conditions, consider whether your journey is necessary at that time or whether it can be postponed.

Consider whether an alternative method of transport would be better.

12. If stranded by bad weather try to ensure that you are not blocking access for emergency vehicles. Remain with the vehicle unless there is shelter nearby. Maintain your circulation by moving your body. If you can, use the engine to keep warm; but do not use the engine if the exhaust cannot vent safely. If you are snowed over ensure that an airway is maintained.

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